Huntingdon train attack trial hears police were told suspect had schizophrenia

Police officers told jurors that Anthony Williams appeared to be experiencing psychotic symptoms after his arrest following the Huntingdon train attack, as his trial heard that he had been considered too unwell to be interviewed.

Williams, 33, denies 14 counts of attempted murder, including allegations relating to an attack on a London-bound train that made an emergency stop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on 1 November last year. Prosecutors say he also attempted to kill three people in Peterborough on 31 October and a teenager on a Docklands Light Railway train in east London the following day.

At Cambridge Crown Court, custody sergeant James Cox said escorting officers had told him Williams suffered from schizophrenia. Asked by defence barrister Gillian Jones KC whether it had also been reported that Williams suffered from psychosis and took medication, Cox replied: “I believe so, yes.”

The court heard that Williams was treated as a vulnerable adult and supported by an appropriate adult. A custody healthcare note said he appeared to be responding to voices, according to evidence described in court. A forensic psychiatrist later reported observing “active psychotic symptoms”.

Officers also described Williams behaving unusually after his arrest. PC Caitlin Brown said he appeared to be talking to himself and spoke about the devil. PC Matt Panks said he was rocking and laughing. The court heard that Williams was not considered fit to be interviewed and was never interviewed about the allegations.

Jurors have been told that whether Williams carried out the attacks is not in dispute. They must decide whether he intended to kill. The trial continues.